IOFOS Newsletter Volume 45 Issue 1 June 2023

IMPRESSUM

PRESIDENT OF THE IOFOS

ProfessorHrvojeBrkic

DMD,MSc,PhD

UniversityofZagreb, SchoolofDental Medicine

DepartmentofDental Anthropology

ChairofForensic

Dentistry

Gunduliceva5,HR10000Zagreb

e-mail:brkic@sfzg.hr

webpage: www.brkic.eu

EDITOR OF THE NEWSLETTER

ProfessorMarin

Vodanovic,DDM,MSc, PhD

UniversityofZagreb, SchoolofDental Medicine

DepartmentofDental Anthropology

Gundulićeva 5, HR10000Zagreb,Croatia

e-mail: vodanovic@sfzg.hr

webpage: www.marinvodanovic.com

PROOF READER

DrZephnéBernitz

BVSc(Pret)

P.O.Box 1276

Middelburg

Mpumalanga

1050SouthAfrica

E-mail: bernitz@iafrica.com

COVER PHOTO: Dubrovnik, Croatia; Author: Branko Nađ

Marin Vodanović Editor of the IOFOS Newsletter

Department of Dental Anthropology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia

vodanovic@sfzg.hr

www.marinvodanovic.com

SDearReaders, inceItookovertheeditingofthe IOFOS newsletter in the fall of 2017,wehavepublishedabouta hundred different texts: congress reports, comments, expert recommendations for work in forensic dentistry, training reports, book reviews, announcements of professional events and educations around the world and a lot of other content.

Through a joint effort, we made the latest information regarding forensic dentistry available to colleagues worldwide through this newsletter, distributed by email to more than 1,000 addresses. The community of forensic dentists is relatively small but compact, and its members scattered all over the world know each other well and, most importantly, cooperate successfully whennecessary.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which at one point stopped almost all activities in the world, has led to the fact that the IOFOS congress, held every three years, was held only in 2023 instead of 2020. The last time it was held in 2017 in Leuven, a new executive board of IOFOS was elected, successfully leading this 50-year-old organization through the challenging

past six years, modernizing it and making it a relevant global, internationally recognized factor in forensic dentistry. Ahead of us is the congress in Dubrovnik, which will be held in September this year and has aroused great international interest. The congress will be an opportunity to meet colleagues, learn, network, plan new collaborations and elect a new IOFOS leadership in the coming period. Congress will be more thansuccessful.

And at the end, as always, I invite you to share your forensic experience with the IOFOS community by preparing meeting reports and other texts. Your contributions for the next issue of the IOFOS newsletter should be sent up to November 15th 2023 They should be in MS Word (max. two pages, 1800 characters per page and up to 2 images), accompanied by a portrait photo of the author and affiliation data. More details are available below in the Instructions for Authors. Contributions should be sent to vodanovic@sfzg.hr.

Thankyou!

Yours

MarinVodanović

Instructions for authors

IOFOS newsletter is published biannually in June and December. Contributions should be sent by e-mail to vodanovic@sfzg.hr not later than 15 days before the first day of the month of publication. All contributions should be in English as Microsoft Word documents (max. 2 pages). Do not include images in the text. If any, images should be at the end of the text (max. 2 images). All information about forensic dentistry such as meeting reports, news from national societies, forensic activity reports, future forensic meeting announcements, etc. from IOFOS members and member societies, as well as from other contributors are welcome. If you want to be included on IOFOS mailing list and receive the newsletter by e-mail please write to vodanovic@sfzg.hr. Thank you!

Hrvoje Brkić President of IOFOS

DearIOFOSmembersandreaders,

This time I am addressing you for the last time as the president of IOFOS. After two mandates are behind me, I am preparing to hand over the IOFOS necklace to the newly elected president on September 8 inDubrovnik.

brkic@sfzg.hr

www.brkic.eu

During the past months in 2023, I had a lot of contacts with colleagues around the world. We renewed our website iofos.eu and constantly filled it with new content. Because our website was outdated and difficult to administer with outdated interfaces. The entire content of the old website has been preserved and is on the new portal in a modern design that is transparent to the reader. Thanks to our administrator Stefano Garatta for his careful administration.

I believe that you have already surfed through the site and noticed the new interface of the Journal of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology. Yes, we improved JFOS technically with the help of the professional help of KPT publishing service. JFOS is now a modern online scientific journal with open access without charging a fee for the publication of scientific or professional manuscripts. Thanks to editor-in-chief Vilma Pincha and her assistants, the journal is regular and the number of

issues has increased from two to three issuesperyear.

Furthermore, we have a big event ahead of us – the Triennial Congress of IOFOS, which we will hold from September 6 to 8inDubrovnik,Croatia.Onthisoccasion, we will mark the 50th anniversary of IOFOS, whose activity began in 1973 at the FDI Congress in Paris, and Gösta Gustafson, Sweden, was elected as the firstpresident.

Preparations for the congress are underway,andbyMay

5 we received 85 abstracts from 34 countries, including a large number of our official national associations. The presentations are all oral, and among them are e-posters and students' competition with their presentations. The three best studentpresentationswillbeawardedby a specially formed expert committee. The Congress is preceded by six workshops led by established experts in the topics they will present. I invite all those interested to sign up for the halfday workshops, because with the acquired knowledge and skills we refine ourprofessionofforensicodontology.

AttheendofthecongressonSeptember 8, we will hold a General Assembly whoseagendawaspublishedinMarchof this year and is on the website, and we also publish it in this newsletter. One of

University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

the points is the election of the new IOFOS president from among the candidates who have an interest and complywiththeprocedureprescribedby theStatute.

I would like to take this opportunity to thankallmycolleagues-membersofthe Executive Board, colleagues around the world for the invitations they sent me, and all of you who supported and followed my work during the past two mandates.

I believe that the new president will continue on the path established by our teachers and preserve and raise the reputation of IOFOS, especially in terms ofeducationandlifelonglearning.

Hrvoje Brkić

Sigrid I. Kvaal receives His Majesty the King's Medal of Merit

On 20th June, associate professor(emer)SigridI.Kvaal received The King’s Medal of Merit in Oslo City Hall, Norway, for her servicetoNorwayandthegreatergood ofsociety.Thenominationfortheroyal appreciation was submitted in a cooperation between The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Oslo, the DVI-group of The National Criminal InvestigationServiceinNorwayandthe International Forensic Odontology Association(IOFOS).

The mayor of Oslo, Marianne Borgen, presented the medal and a diploma during a solemn ceremony in Oslo City Hall; also giving a speech that included most of Dr. Kvaal’s dental and scientific merits. Onalateroccasion, SigridKvaal will be granted an audience with His MajestytheKingofNorway.

SigridI. Kvaal receivestheKing'sMedal of Merit for her comprehensive and long-standing work within forensic odontology. She is considered one of thosewhohavehadthehighestimpact in the development of forensic odontology in Norway. Her contributions within research, teaching and dissemination have been

formidable, not only for the development and recognition of the fieldofforensicodontology,butequally important,theeffortshehasmadethat hasbeencrucialforsomanyindividuals. Internationally, she is particularly recognised for her immense contributions to forensic literature on ageestimations.

Sigrid I. Kvaal quali fied as a dentist in 1978 and has been engaged in forensic odontology since 1987. In 1995, she

defended her doctoral thesis entitled “Age-related changes in teeth - a microscopic and radiographic investigation of the human permanent dentition”. In her doctoral works, she presentedamethodforageestimation, "The Kvaal Method", which is internationally recognized and still widely used all over the world. Several subsequent methods have arisen from her pioneering work. Her publications encompass a range of forensic topics relating to dental age estimation, and

haveimpactedonandchangedtheway age is estim ated in adults around the world. Sigrid Kvaal retired from her positionat theUniversityofOslo inthe autumnof2021,butisstillconnectedto theUniversityasanassociateprofessor emeritus.

Photographer: Fredrik Pedersen OD/UiO

Cristiana Palmela Pereira

International Specialization Course on Forensic Odontology: Touch the Future!

Access and Admission for the Class 2023-2024, 2nd edition

By the University of Lisbon (Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Dental Medicine) and University of Zagreb (School of Dental Medicine)

University of Lisbon, Portugal

cpereira@campus.ul.pt

The specialization international courseinForensicOdontology,is a partial-time curriculum that aims to train odontologists to enable themtofullyaddresstheforensicneeds related to Odontology. The curriculum of this course follows a vision of the Current Global Tendencies in Forensic Sciences,followingtherulesoutlinedby the European and North American ForensicOdontologyOrganizations.The durationofthecourseis1yearwith60 ECTS. The lectures will be mainly in English (first language). The schedule: Friday and Saturday, from 9:00 am to 6:00pm.Thecoursehasalsoadditional days for practical lectures, distributed for the other week days, with the previouswarningtostudents.

The unique European Postgraduate PrograminForensicOdontologyaimsto teach didactic and practical skills to dental professionals leading to specialized practice in Forensic Odontology. The program provides

students with a depth knowledge and practical experience in forensic odontology required to perform forensicexaminationsindifferentfields suchasForensicPathologyandForensic Clinic. This program complies with the comprehensive view of contemporary Forensic Odontology. The course structure had 17 disciplines that incorporatedtheapplicationofmedical, scientific,andlegaldisciplinesrelatedto forensicodontologyinvestigations.The units were distributed in 2 semesters, each semester with 15 weeks, with almost 400 hours of practical and theoreticallectures.

The students could learn with inviting professorsandexpertsinthefieldfrom aroundtheworld,fromAustralia,Brazil, Italy, United States, England, Norway, Germany,SouthAfrica,andCanada.

During the practical lectures the students could face different practical realities in the autopsy room,

Supervisor of the Specialization Course on Forensic Odontology

anthropology laboratory, criminalistic

Figure 1 Supervisors and Members of the Scientific Committee of the Specialization Course on Forensic Odontology and the Deans of the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Medicine of University of Lisbon and of the Faculty of Dental Medicine of University of Zagreb.

Figure 2 New Diplomates from the 1st Edition of the Specialization Course with the Academic Staff.

and anatomical theater. They could learn with the most important institutions related to the forensic world: criminal police and forensic institute.

The course offers dentists the opportunity to become highly qualified specialists in the area of forensic odontology.

The applications are open for the new academic year 2023-2024. The number of vacancies is 20. You can apply until June 30 (extended until August 31).

Apply now at:

https://www.medicina.ulisboa.pt/en/f orensic-odontology-course

If you need some help for the application, you can get by the email cpereira@campus.ul.pt

The diplomates from previous edition finished June 2022 received their diplomas in a ceremony last May 2023 attheFacultyofMedicineinUniversity of Lisbon. See photos of the new diplomatesonForensicOdontology.

We look forward to welcoming you in October2023inLisbon – Takethesteps towards modern and future-oriented forensic odontology. Become part of theteam – hereinLisbon,Portugal.

Bestwishes SupervisoroftheSpecializationCourse CristianaPalmelaPereira

Figure 3 Diploma Ceremony 2021-2022 Postgraduate Specialization International Course on Forensic Odontology.

(Programme Lead for Part Time Courses)

Centre for Forensic and Legal Medicine and Dentistry, School of Dentistry

University of Dundee

smanica@dundee.ac.uk

MSc Forensic Dentistry and Masters in Forensic Odontology Programmes at the University of Dundee, 2023

Centre of Forensic and Legal Medicine and Dentistry announces the commencement of Part-Time programmes in Forensic and Legal Odontology with blended learning opportunity at the University of Dundee.

The centre has been successfully conducting full-time MSc Forensic Dentistry and MFOdont programmes since 2012 and 2015, respectively but the new programmes will allow more flexibility for students whoareunabletomovetoDundeefulltime.

Onlinemodulesintheformoflectures, exercises, seminars, interactive activities will be supplemented with 2 compulsoryweeksperyearofin-person contact training at the University of Dundee.

(Programme Lead for Full Time Courses)

Centre for Forensic and Legal Medicine and Dentistry, School of Dentistry

University of Dundee

HPandey001@dundee.ac.uk

The MSc in Forensic and Legal Odontology (180 credits) and PG Dip (120credits)willrunovertwoyearsand the PG Cert (70 credits) only one year. Master of Forensic Odontology (MSc) students will study nine compulsory modules including research. PgDip studentsandPgCertstudentswillstudy five and three compulsory modules, respectively.OnlythePartTimeMScin Forensic and Legal Odontology (180 credits) programme is offered to overseas(Non-EU)students.

Students will develop knowledge, experience, and skills in forensic dentistry, and in aspects of forensic medicine, law and research. The curriculum covers various aspects of forensicdentistryincluding,

- dental identification and profiling including sessions on death and cognitivebiaswithapsychologist,

- disastervictimidentification,

- age estimation from dental sources,

- dentalmalpracticeandnegligence,

- documentation in forensic odontology,

- report writing & conduct of an expertwitnessincourtoflaw,

Scheila Manica

Clinical Senior Lecturer

Hemlata Pandey Lecturer

- bite mark analysis and its limitations, guidelines and recommendationsbyauthoritiesin forensicodontology

- Legal and ethical aspects of dentistry

Apart from forensic odontology, students also undergo training for a career in academia and research by expertsinacademicwriting.

During the contact training at the University, students will receive thorough training in dental autopsy instructions using the Thiel cadavers (facility offered by the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), image acquisition with portable X-ray unit, interpretation of

ante-mortem and post-mortem dental data, a mock trial experience, and guidelines by Interpol with first-hand training on software for disaster victim identification

Studyingalongsidestudentsinforensic medicine and law means that the students will gain an understanding of theroleofotherforensicdisciplinesand identifywhen,where,andhowforensic dentistry links with the wider forensic community. University of Dundee encourages students to engage in research, providing a supportive environment for research in forensic dentistry. The MSc programme has a component of research and students will gain rich experience of research methodsinforensicdentistry.

Figure 1 DVI Plassdata Training

Assessment will be done on a regular basis at various stages during the course. It will be based on written assignments, written reports for cases, practical examinations, conduct of the expert witness at mock trial, and researchproject.

The programme lead for part-time courses is Dr. Scheila Manica. Faculties include Dr. Hemlata Pandey, Dr. Andrew Mason, Dr. Ian Illis, Dr. Sarah Jones, andmanymorefromtheSchool of Dentistry, experts from the worldrenowned Centre for Anatomy and

Human Identification (CAHID), experts in Forensic Pathology, Forensic Sciences,Psychologyandmore.

Forfurtherinformationontheparttime MSc Forensic Dentistry course at the University of Dundee, please visit the followinglinkoremailtheauthors, Forensic and Legal Odontology (Part Time)MSc|UniversityofDundee

Figure 2 Mock Court Session.

Aman Chowdhry

General Secretary (INPAFO)

Professor and Incharge at Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi, Delhi 110025 achowdhry@jmi.ac.in

9th INPAFO International Conference held in Nepal on 9th to

11th June 2023

Samarika Dahal

Organising Secretary, 9th INPAFO Nepal

Associate Professor and Head, Department of Oral Pathology, Maharajguj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal

drsamarika@gmail.com

The Indo-Pacific Academy of Forensic Odontology (INPAFO) was founded in 2007 and has the objectives of advancing the cause of forensic odontology and also developing and perpetuating the highest standards of practice. It also maintains liaison with other organizations and associations globally having similar objectives. INPAFO is a society member of the International Organization for Forensic OdontoStomatology (IOFOS). Presently, INPAFOispresidedoverbyProf.Harish Dasari and has its general secretary as Prof.AmanChowdhry.

Every year, it organizes its conference to promote its objective of supporting thesubjectofforensicodontology.This year's“9thInternationalConferenceof INPAFO-2023” was organized in Kathmandu (Nepal) from 9th to 11th June 2023. Collaborating institutes and societies were IOFOS, the Nepalese Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology,theInternational

Committee of the Red Cross, and the Medico-Legal Society of Nepal. This event was organized by the Department of Oral Pathology & Forensic Dentistry, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute, of Medicine, Nepal, under the able leadership of Prof. Dr. Harihar Wasti (Organizing Chairperson) and Dr. Samarika Dahal (Organizing Secretary).

Dr. Nitin K. Agrawal contributed to the success of the conference as conferencecoordinator.

On the first day (9th June 2023), two pre-conferencecourseswereorganized at Maharajganj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal, on oral autopsy (Course 1) and forensic facial approximation (Course 2). Resource personsfor Course1 wereDr.Gopal K. Chaudhary, Dr. Eugen Dolma, and Dr. Mani Maharajan. Resource persons for Course 2 (Figure 1) were Dr. O.P. Jasuja, Dr. R.K. Gorea, Dr. Aman Chowdhry,andDr.PriyankaKapoor.

The main conference was held on the 10th and 11th June 2023, at the Hotel Godavari Village Resort, Kathmandu, Nepal. A fantastic stage was prepared for scientific presentations, award distribution, speeches, and cultural functions. Many international leaders anddignitarieswerepresenton(Figure

2) and off the stage during the inauguration function. The patron of theeventwastheDeanoftheInstitute of Medicine, Prof. Dibya Singh Shah, and the guest of honor was Her Excellency, the Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk. Prof. Hrvoje Brkic,PresidentofIOFOS,alsograced

Figure 1 Course 2 (Forensic Facial Approximation Workshop) at Maharajganj Medical Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Figure 2 National and international dignitaries on stage at the inauguration function.

the occasion. More than 95 delegates participated in this 3-day scientific extravaganza, with delegates from India, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Croatia,andCanada.

The INPAFO lifetime achievement award was given to Prof. OP Jasuja for significant and sustained contributions to the development and/or dissemination of the objectives of INPAFO. (Figure 3) The results of scientific presentations (competitive category) were announced and cash prizes were awarded to the winners, which were sponsored by INPAFO executive committee members. Late Sh. B.K. Malik Memorial Best Paper Award of 5000 INR in the faculty category was bagged by Dr. Ahana Shrestha and 5000 INR Late Sh. R.L. Gorea Memorial best paper faculty award bagged by Dr. Dilasha Dhungel. 2000 INR was awarded to Dr Harneet Kaur for winning the Best Poster and 3000 INR was awarded to the team of Dr. Krisha Suwal, Sabina Suwal, and Suraksha Yogi for Paper Presentation (UGCategory).

INPAFO’s General Body Meeting and Executive Committee meeting were held at the conference venue (Figure 4). The organizers of the conference were congratulated by INPAFO authorities for successfully conducting this scientific event at such a beautiful venue on the outskirts of Kathmandu.

Figure 3 INPAFO lifetime achievement award is given to Prof. O.P. Jasuja.

Figure 4 INPAFO General Body Meeting being held at pool side, hotel Godavari Village Resort, Kathmandu, Nepal.